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Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network of Western New York

Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network of Western New York

Determined whether buffer zones prohibiting demonstrations and blockades around abortion clinics violated the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

Full Case Title:

Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network of Western New York, 519 U.S. 357 (1997)

Year:

1997

Legal Momentum's Role:

Co-Counsel

Brief:

The Supreme Court held that fixed buffer zones -- which prohibited demonstrations within 15 feet of the clinics' doorways, parking lot entrances, driveways, and driveway entrances -- were necessary to ensure the government's interest in public safety. However, the Court also ruled that floating buffer zones -- which prohibited demonstrations within 15 feet of any person or vehicle seeking access to or leaving the clinics -- violated the protestors' rights to free speech more than was necessary to serve public safety.

Legal Momentum was co-counsel in this case with Professor Lucinda Finley.